Published 10 Jun 2025
An independent study* has revealed significant mental health improvements for students involved in The Resilience Project School Wellbeing Program.
The research, conducted by a Psychiatry Registrar and PhD Candidate, analysed seven years of data from more than 40,000 students across Australia. It showed sustained participation in The Resilience Project can lead to a 34% reduction in anxiety symptoms and a 47% reduction in depressive symptoms by years six and seven of involvement.
The findings provide compelling evidence that programs like these are not only supporting kids in the short term, but creating lasting change for children, families, and school communities.
Local Geelong children are among those reaping the benefits, thanks to a partnership powered by GMHBA and the Geelong Cats that has entered its second year and supports the delivery of the School Wellbeing Program in five Geelong schools.
The program equips students, teachers, and parents with practical tools to build resilience, empathy, and emotional literacy, skills increasingly vital in today’s world.
Geelong Cats players have helped bring the messages to life through school visits, reinforcing positive behaviours and deepening community connection along with trained Resilience Project facilitators.
The Resilience Project CEO Ben Waterman said:
"In addition to significantly reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms in students, the research also showed very positive outcomes in their life satisfaction, a sense of hope, and coping skills. Our partner schools have done an outstanding job supporting student wellbeing. We've seen firsthand that those committed to implementing the program over the long term have achieved incredible outcomes for their students' mental health and wellbeing.”
GMHBA CEO David Greig said the results validate the organisation’s focus on mental health programs that deliver measurable, long-term impact:
“These results are more than numbers. They represent real improvements in the lives of local kids and their families. We’re proud to help bring this program into classrooms and support the wellbeing of the next generation.”
Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking said:
“As we head into year two of the partnership, our players look forward to again helping students in our region undertake the program and to be involved in helping them access and learn new mental health tools and initiatives.”
Now in its second year, the five schools accessing the program as part of the GMHBA and Geelong Cats partnership have access to new tools and initiatives, including:
- Digital and classroom resources to boost mental health and resilience of students.
- A Wellbeing Workship and six-month wellbeing journal challenge for teachers.
- A “Building Resilience at Home” guide to support families and enhance the home-to-school connection.
- The opportunity for parents to view a live Authentic Connection webinar with TRP founder Hugh Van Cuylenburg.
